They are an assistant high school principal, a middle and high school science teacher, a high school band director, a high school English teacher, an advisor at a university, an elementary school principal, a secondary English language arts curriculum coach, and a high school special education teacher who also chairs the Science Department. They are the 2018 Salute to Excellence in Education awardees, and they will be recognized at the Salute gala on Saturday, September 29 at the America’s Center Ballroom.
Chauncey Granger has made his way up the education system through working as an assistant principal at Beaumont High School in St. Louis to principal at Hazelwood East High School. A lifelong learner himself, Granger has earned his doctorate degree in educational leadership at University of Missouri and a master’s degree in special education at Saint Xavier University, and a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Eastern Illinois University. In order to contribute to the academic success of students Granger makes sure to engage parents, family members, and community members.
“We serve a population of disenfranchised families that feel as if when they come in they’re talked at or over their heads, and that trust is tough to gain with families that have always had things that haven’t been working in their favor,” Granger said. “We have to make sure that the families know that we’re here for them; we’re here for the students.”
Kim I. Haywood Jr. served as a program growth and development advisor for the Illinois State Board of Education at the start of his journey as an educator. He eventually made his way into the classroom, teaching agriculture, horticulture and biology. At Lovejoy Technology Academy in Lovejoy, Illinois, Haywood is middle and high school science teacher, union president, and varsity basketball coach. His desire is to help students reach their full potential.
“My real goal is working with high school students to put opportunities in front of them,” Haywood said, “and let them know the different avenues that they have for career choices. There are definitely skills the kids can take with them and go into different arenas and use throughout life.”
Bernard Long Jr. began playing the drums at four years old and his father, Bernard Long Sr., intuitively knew his son had a serious love for music. Long earned a bachelor of music degree in Jazz at Northern Illinois University, which is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the 10 best jazz programs in the nation. Long is currently band director at Normandy High School. He enjoys teaching music and believes that music studies enhance students’ abilities by sparking creativity and nurturing critical thinking skills.
“Music is a culture thing,” Long said. “You gotta check out the musician; you can’t just play the notes. It’s deeper than the notes.”
Dorthea B. Nevils earned her bachelor of arts degree in English at University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), and she also earned a masters of education in administration degree at UMSL. Nevils has taught English at University City High School since she was 21 years old. At the school Nevils has played many roles, such as English Department chairperson, building assistant principal, class sponsor and more. Nevils says teachers have a professional and moral obligation to create an environment where children can learn and achieve together.
“I want to be a good example for the young people, and I want them to come up and be leaders even if they’re young, because you could be a leader at any age,” Nevils said. “I also want to put into their spirits the sense of being a good citizen and being a person of character.”
Reverend Raymond K. Robinson received his associate’s degree from North Iowa Area Community College and his bachelor’s degree in sociology and speech communication. Lastly, he completed his master of divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary. After serving three years abroad in the United States Army, he came home and took on positions such as assistant resident coordinator at Mississippi State University, resident hall director at Saint Louis University, and resident counselor at Job Corps in St. Louis. Currently he is assistant director and advisor at Webster University.
“It is my obligation to utilize my knowledge and experiences to assist students in ways that maximize their individual potential and my privilege to celebrate their successes,” Robinson said – “whether they occur in the classroom or in the community.”
Leslie Thomas-Washington is a graduate of Maryville University with a doctorate in educational leadership, holds a master’s in educational administration, and also has a bachelor of science from Fisk University. Her work as a classroom teacher, literacy facilitator, Reading First coach, and assistant principal in various districts in the St. Louis region and New Orleans have given her the necessary skills to be successful in her current position as principal of Vogt Elementary School, which received the 2013 Monsanto School of Excellence Award from the St. Louis American Foundation.
Her educational philosophy says it all in a few words: “All students can be successful if taught well, have the desire and work hard!”
Tamara Wells has spent the entirety of her 18-year teaching career working with students in the Hazelwood School District. As a secondary English language arts curriculum coach, she oversees the educational programming of six middle schools and three high schools. After noticing students’ desire to talk through subjects they were encountering in and outside of the classroom, Wells developed the CHAT (Children Having Academic Talks about languages, identity, dialect and culture) Academy. Through the use of literature and a focus on current events, Wells empowers African-American students to take an active role in their own learning. She also teaches English courses at UMSL and serves on the board of Educators for Social Justice.
“We are training students to become social justice advocates who are in tune with modern political and social issues,” Wells said. “The teens take the lead and initiate programming and conversations about subjects they believe need to be addressed.”
Rhea M. Willis has a variety of professional experiences that give her a diverse and fresh outlook on leadership in education. Her 31 years in education, as well as her previous career as a fire district director, have allowed her opportunities to provide the type of innovative, hands-on style of education many students need. Currently, she serves as special education teacher and Science department chair at Sumner High School. Outside of the classroom, she has worked as an executive producer on a documentary about the killing of Michael Brown and volunteers with organizations like Taking it to the Streets, Suits 2 Success, and Summer’s Science Enrichment Club.
“My teaching strategies at times are unorthodox,” Willis said. “It’s about providing the effective and best teaching strategies that fit my student’s needs and their learning abilities, as well as enhancing rigor in small increments to enhance and build success. I engage students where they are and support and guide them to reach their greatest potential.”
The 2018 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 29, 2018 at the America’s Center Ballroom, following a reception at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Individual tickets are $85 each/$850 table, and VIP/Corporate tickets are $1,500 table. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/Salute-tix or call 314-533-8000.
